ANOTHER ARTFULL DAY

EMBRACING ART IN TINY INCREMENTS

2012-02-03T09:30:00.001-07:00

Gave myself 2 minutes to play!

January was basically a write off for me.

Sick nearly the entire month.

THANKFULLY

what I was being told was a serious chronic illness

WAS NOT!

So art, business, life in general

was very minimal for me.

But I am RALLYING!

Wearing my pink Born flats this morning

scored at the local Thrift Shop yesterday.

Made me a healthy smoothie this morning

and decided I needed to not only attend to my health

but my ART as well.

Even if it means only a couple of minutes of art time...

I am taking January and shoving it aside.

The good part that came out of all this

is a renewed sense of JOY

in my life and of course

GRATITUDE.

LIFE

GIFT.

art

gift.

and I am using both to my best advantage.

NEW WORD FOR 2012?

EMBRACE.

GETTING IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

2012-01-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

LOVE IT.

Now the real story of this design..

First came the lips/leaves.. like 8 years ago?

then last year I added the heart background.

liked the combo, but it wasn't IT.

Then I was working on backgrounds for my kitchen rules designs.

I created the red polka dot with turquoise blue inset.

and then I worked on heart flowers.

and then all of a sudden...

(here's where you picture cupid appearing over my creative brain....

and tada...

it all came together

and shot arrows straight through my heart.

I am smiling.

and

SMOOCHIE MAMA

was born.

another day in my life.

REPURPOSED APRON IS NOW CURTAIN!

2012-01-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

My apron.

I have had it hanging around for over a year.

A little too frilly for me.

I don't do ruffles, frills, etc.

Lots of bad memories of my mother dressing me in lace, frills etc.

when all I ever wanted to wear was my jeans and red cowboy boots.

But that's another story!

I decided to make a fun curtain for the kitchen out of the apron.

Day photo..

too much back lighting.

Night photo.

Ahh

this is better...

Now you can see it.

Those triangle ends are the crisscross bib from the apron.

I used only two ruffles because I wanted to keep the curtain short.

The felt balls I added for whimsy.

That chicken in the window? I bought at a craft art shop.

The chicken is felt and is sitting in a wire nest that is atop an old bed spring.

The child's rubber boot makes a fun planter.

The chicken towel hooks on the side cabinet was originally

painted dark colors. I repainted it with the bright colors.

Fun.

RUN AWAY DAY FINDS

2012-01-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

It feels good to run away.

Yesterday, I lured a friend to run away with me. We went to Grand Junction, a place I know well!

Well, sort of. I grew up there in the 50's and it was a nice quiet town. No more. The traffic is

huge and most places crowded. Even on a Tuesday! I won't go there before Christmas because it's CRAZY!

After we stopped in Palisade to check on my one account in town, we had lunch at a great cafe and for "dessert" we visited the local Blue Pig Gallery. It was wonderful and I was inspired.

Next we went to Hobby Lobby and I found some FABULOUS duck fabric plus I had a 40% coupon (thank to my girlfriend) and bought some yardage for some oh I don't know exactly what yet, but I had to have this fabric.

It's happy happy.. and I loved the way the flowers pop off the black background!

So here's what I have done so far!

I recovered the stool here in the entry way.
This photo shows the true colors best. I love the turquoise
in the print.
:)

Next....
I had a couple of mix matched cushion/pillows in the little rocker. And decided
this would look great with these happy new colors.
Note:
The carpet is not black.
here's a better view showing the unusual color of our carpeting.

See the blue in the patch rug? The one patch with the yellow bird?

It's that blue.. and whenever I try to take photos, the rug turns a strange color.

I like the blue -- it's different but's a pain to keep clean. Dark carpeting doesn't show

the dirt, but it shows dog hair, and lint. BIG time. I seriously should vacuum every day.

But I don't.

I also covered a little pillow and tossed it on the couch to carry the new fabric into the room

We also stopped at several thrift shops. I found this wonderful bamboo cart with wheels for a steal.

I can use this to hold some of my cuttings and new plants that I start. I sat it here in front of the huge windows in our dining room where morning sun is glorious. This cart will also work as a side table for dinners both inside and out on the deck. So I was pretty happy with this find.

So I have discovered that having my new sewing machine makes sewing a LOT MORE FUN!

I think over the years, any sewing I would do, using an old machine, was total frustration.

What a nice change having a machine that zips along, no problems!!!!!

♥have a happy day♥

DAD WOULD BE PROUD

2012-01-09T09:06:00.001-07:00

I love these jeans.

I love these sneakers.

They make me smile.

So when I tore these old jeans, I saved them to mend.

And with my NEW sewing machine, yahoo!!!!!

I just mended these and am now wearing them with a smile on my face.

While I was sewing along, I thought of Dad.

He would take his work jeans and zig zag patch them and

wear them like NEW! He was resourceful and saved many things.

I could feel his energy while I sewed these.

It's comforting to rescue an old friend.

I am so blessed to work in my art studio here at home.

I can not tell you how wonderful it is to slip on my favorite jeans,

tie up my favorite sneakers and work surrounded by my birds, dog and cat.

It's crispy cold outside, and I have a fire burning in the wood stove here in the studio.

NICE.

Blessed.

Grateful.

Happy.

What a nice way to start my day!

NEXT?

art.

even better!

NEW ADDITION TO THE ART STUDIO

2012-01-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

SOOO????

me SEWING?

well, yes, but in an artful way!

Sewing isn't something I love doing. I will, and I have, in the past. When I was pregnant with my son, Chris, I made all my maternity clothes. A nice friend and neighbor showed me how to sew. I had so much fun and it saved me tons on money on maternity clothes. Then after Chris was born, I started sewing his overalls. I was an avid embroiderer then and I would embroider animals, etc on his bibs overalls. I did the same when I was pregnant with my daughter and she wore girly overalls.... It was fun and I enjoyed it.

Now that ART is my main passion, I don't sew much any more. Just necessary mending, etc when I have to.

But my old machine stopped working a month ago and I decided it might be time to get a new machine. And when I saw this Brother's with all those fun stitch options, my ARTISTIC JUICES STARTED FLOWING!

I can do collages and embellish with fun stitches on fabric and paper. I use fabric in some of the collages and won't it be fun to give a hillside a fun border of decorative stitches? And paint some image on dictionary paper then add some fun stitching to CRANK it up? And since my business has prospered this year, I felt I could justify the cost. Which seriously, these new fan~dangled machines are not all that expensive. I think I paid way more for my old machine way back in 1975 then I did on this one. Plus this one can do tons more!

This machine has the over sized table that snaps on as you can see in the picture. When you pull it off, it's a narrow arm that will be great for hemming pants. Yes, I will do some traditional stuff like that. But oh the

POSSIBLITIES POSSIBILITIES with this new machine in my art studio!!!! WHOOP WHOOP! I had to learn how to

thread this new baby, the bobbin system is unlike any I have ever seen or used, but I finally got it and was stitching merrily along this morning. I had worry dreams last night about the new machine... when I opened it up and saw how different it was, I thought OH no...can I figure this out. I am not great at reading instructions, I am much better at visual instructions. So I googled the how to video, and thankfully found one.. and TA_DA!!!!!

JANUARY is my special studio ART month. When I have more time to work on ART and truly be in a blissful place. No yard work, no holidays to busy yourself with, plus it's cold and wintry, a perfect time to immerse myself in projects.

I have an inspiration board here on the back of my studio door where I post ideas, images, anything that strikes my fancy. It's a nice launching pad for my art.

Fun to have the visual candy.

or smiles..

I adore this face.

may you have an adorable day...

END OF YEAR MUSINGS

2011-12-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

I love the end of the year.

It gives me time to reflect on the passing year.

I am cleaning out my studio this week. Pulled in a large trash container and so far, it's been filled once and working on #2. Good to get fresh surroundings along with a fresh perspective for next year.

I have a lot to be grateful for.

~~~~~~~

"HEM YOUR BLESSINGS WITH THANKFULNESS SO
THEY DON'T UNRAVEL"

~~~~~~~

author unknown

I have worked hard to bring more business in, and happy to say my hard work is paying off.

In doing so, I have neglected my own health at times, and most importantly, my art.

So for the NEW YEAR, I am going to focus on trying to keep more

in balance.

That means, more time for me. Eating healthier, exercising more, you know, all those

New Year resolutions that we all make. I am a giver, but not so much to myself.

I am turning a page in a lot of areas of my life this year. Learning to forgive. Learning to let go.

Learning to only allow the positive into my daily life. Counting my blessings.

So much unneccessary junk that pulls me down, I now know it's too toxic for me.

Toxic attitudes, toxic people.

Thanks, but no thanks.

2012

will be exciting.

I have new ideas for my business.

My beautiful kids are moving back which means I won't be a faraway granny any more.

I want to try new art mediums.

I am scheduling a PLAY day for myself at least twice a month, minimum.

Life is too short.

Losing a good friend to cancer at way too young of an age.

Makes you think, you know.

Precious time whirls by.

So I will walk with purpose and intent and keep myself

in BALANCE.

blessings to all

TWINKLE TWINKLE

2011-12-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

In the grand scheme of holiday

DAZING...

I decided to light up my dark entry to my studio. This is accessed through the garage.. my side of the garage where I warehouse all my Lunar Designs stock and all my ART stock.. the funky and the junky.

The lighting in this part of the garage is marginal at best. And as you approach my door, it's dark.. even with the lights on in the day! So. I thought

TWINKLE TIME!

It lights up the entry, it makes me

SMILE

and it's GROOVY!

Which is about all I have had time for today. I am wrapping up last minute orders, did manage to ship

one holiday gift and waiting for UPS to deliver more of my card stock so I can print more cards.

It snowed today and the holiday bug is starting to come alive for me.

Just wanted to share my twinkle today!

DOODLE-DOOO!

NO SNOW

2011-12-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

BLEAK outside.

Being a NON-WINTER person, I still love having snow around the holidays.

If everything was green outside, then NO SNOW would be fine with me.

But now that the holidays are looming ahead, and skiers are eyeing the mtns, yep, we need snow.

I have a HUGE amount of catch up here in the studio. Plus lots of holidays lists to tackle.

But I am in dire need of an ART DAY! For REAL.

So hoping that as my work week progresses, I can make room for ART.

Because I am starting to get the no art jitters.

I did whip out a new design for Lunar yesterday.

Appropriate for this time of year, YES?

doodle-doo everyone!

JOLLY CRAZED

2011-12-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

WOW.

Counting my blessings. Big Time. LOTS of days where BUSY would be a mild way to express it.

Wholesale orders coming in steadily.

(Pause for GRATEFUL.)

Every weekend SHOW FAIRS.

(Pause for GRATEFUL.)

Learning to take time to catch my breath,

honoring my SELF.

(Pause for GRATEFUL.)

Having had to push my priorities back to focus on my business has been

REWARDING.. on many levels.

(Pause for GRATEFUL.)

Most of all?

here's my sign

GET REAL.

I am respecting others but not allowing the DRAMA

to cross my boundaries.

Felt myself tipping and entering into a very dangerous territory.

Been there before, and know the SIGNS.

RETREAT.

It's all GOOD.

Now I am surfacing and am going to embrace the holidays. Parties and Festive Happenings.

And some well needed REJUVENTATION is in order.

Having some time with my husband, who I so love spending quality time with.

Now, that is truly living the ART-FULL life.

blessings.

MORE ART-Y SIGNS

2011-10-30T10:49:00.001-06:00

Let me set the scene...

work surface full of paint, etc...

and happy messy fun.

The stockpile of signs.

Some funny, some inspirational,

some just nonsense.

Hanging on the studio wall, and a wall in the hall that I have extended for

"gallery" space. Suffice to say I am always filling nail holes in the wall..

I have spent two days working on these while listening to Solomon's Song by Bryce Courtenay.

It's the 3rd book in a series and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. The 1st and 2nd books were

actually read but I couldn't find a copy of the 3rd book except on tape. Which was fine... I have

really loved this book.. highly recommended reading/listening. I love reading but am limited to how much I can find time to read. So books on tape is a great way to "read" while I work in my studio. My idea of a

wonderful vacation is a good book and a quiet spot on the beach. Or a quiet spot by a lake.

that too.

but now must clean house.

sigh.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

2011-10-27T08:50:00.000-06:00

Working on a series of fun signs with wit, wisdom and humor.

These will go in my booth at upcoming shows.

I discovered a ladder makes an excellent drying rack!

This one is done..

This one on the side is the first one I did several weeks ago.

It inspired me to make more.

I ADORE this one

and will make more with this saying because I

am predicting it to be a good sell.

I got the various wood pieces FREE from a local cabinet shop.

I had been visiting their dumpster and occasionally getting pieces of wood.

But needing a stack, I decided to go in the back door of the shop and

ask if they had any funky scrap wood they could give me for free.

The guy that helped me was really nice.

I asked him his name, and he said "Chris"

Oh.. that's my son's name and I extended my hand to shake his and

told him my name.

He smiled and replied,

"My mom's name is Linda too"

We both smiled at the connection..

I always feel such joy when a

serendipitous moment occurs in our life.

What inspired me to go inside and ask for the wood scraps?

THREE SIMPLE RULES IN LIFE

1. If you do not GO after what

you want, you'll never have it.

2. If you do not ASK, the answer

will always be NO.

3. If you do not step forward, you'll

always be in the same place.

That was in my head that morning.

And of course,

I have made a sign of this..

which is now drying..

so I will post it later.

till then.

have an inspiring day.

FAST AND FURIOUS FALL

2011-10-24T08:07:00.000-06:00

This time of year, I escape from my studio and take part in as many fall - holiday festivals as I can manage.

I love the interaction with people, I love the one to one selling and the challenge of presentation. This photo was taken in the auditorium in Montrose at their Fair Grounds. Setting up without my Easy-Up is a little tougher, but I managed. Next event is the first weekend in Rifle at the Rifle Middle School. Then the following weekend it's Unique Boutique here in Glenwood Springs. I needed to stimulate my own economy and this is a great way for me to get out. Plus I often will make contacts for prospective wholesale accounts. A lot of work, yes. But the rewards are worth it.

In my studio... little happy holiday wreaths are popping up as fast as I can make them. Last year I made some of these small fabric wreaths, for friends and family. I love the happy bright colors and decided to make some to sell at the upcoming shows. I also have my fabric ties on a garland with white lights. It brings fun color ino my booth and makes me smile.

Speaking of smiling.....

With the cold weather coming on, I moved my Banana tree into the dining room. Despite the hardy banana's ability to weather cold temps... I couldn't risk losing this! It's my little hold onto tropical island longings. This weekend we worked hard and long in the yard cutting back all the flowers, shrubs and tall grasses to bed down for winter which is fast approaching. A huge load of clippings were loaded into the truck and taken to the local landfill. And we worked on the refinishing the front door. And we bought a new chandlier to hang in our entry way. There simply wasn't enough time in the day to finish our long list of to dos!

Now I wake to a week full of work and smiles. And the best of all news? An angel has landed in my heart and I am keeping my heart tight and sacred for the news that came to me on Friday. Despite the concerns and worries that are bubbling up, I am focusing on the promise of a dream that has been with me for a long time now. A smile and laugh that tinkles in my head. A love that makes me feel like I am walking on the Moon. A little girl that makes my heart melt. Emalie. My sweetest little angel. Her mama and papa are moving back to Colorado.. bringing me a gift that I can hardley believe will really happen. Keeping my fingers crossed. My heart strings tied tight.

may you have a day filled with light and hope too.

INSPIRED BY MY MORNING'S MUSINGS

2011-09-29T08:39:00.001-06:00

why I blog...

not to be recognized by others...

but to recognize what is in my heart.

SAGE WISDOM

2011-09-29T06:20:00.002-06:00

I have long admired the wisdom that comes in children's books. Seems some of our most complicated times in our lives can really be so simply solved. I often look for simple solutions.. try to weed out the unnecessary and keep the core issues in view. EGO is often the weed that over takes the issues. Maturity will balance the EGO and in time, we hope, EGO will subside. My mantra lately has been

LET IT GO.

Keep the core issue in sight.

One of my most favorite books that I was gifted with was

Crones Don't Whine

I recommend it to any woman - any age.

One of my most "This is what I know now" ahhhaaas is this.

I am learning to accept some people for who they are. I would like to change them... to help them come into

a better place in their world. This is especially true of someone who I love dearly. But I am projecting my beliefs onto them. Who am I to say what is best for them? What I try to do is offer my support on their terms, if they ask. I have friends who go through trials and challenges and often all they need is just someone to vent with. I also have long believed that LOVE means I love you no matter what. Unconditional LOVE. Not that I will let you walk all over me. But I will allow you your path.

My husband and I are learning about elderly life through our moms. I often try to put myself in their shoes. I think the thing that is most unsetteling for older folk, is the threat of losing their SELF and respect and understanding from others. We adult children try to help and guide, but there is often a resistance to our help. Here's where I have learned:

allow some time and space. Their path is theirs.. and as with anyone, walk a mile in their shoes.

Compassion is what I am talking about.

I had a great friend who was 30 years older than me.. from my parents' generation. She was spry, very opinionated, and very kind. I complimented her on how viavacious she was at her age.

She smiled, thanked me, and replied:

"Getting old ain't for sissies."

Wise words from a wise woman.

Years ago, living in an unhappy place in my life, I would go to sleep at night and invision a cabin in the woods. It was my sanctuary where I could someday live. A place where I could live without fear of criticism or unkind consequences. I built that cabin in my mind every night for over a year. Every room, every detail is still vivid in my mind. There was a huge fireplace in the living room.. the heart of the cabin. Above the fireplace made of stone, embedded in the wall, a huge beam of wood. And on that beam I carved

these words:

"I WILL NOT SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, I WILL INDEED ROCK THE BOAT"

Because in my first two marriages, that was the over riding rule... to sit down, shut up and not rock the boat.

If I ever list regrets in my life, it will be that I didn't shun this rule and learn to be more outspoken.

Speaking our truth in kindness shouldn't be a bad thing.

So when I read this Dr.Suess quote, it resinated with me.

And that cabin? I live there now. Because it's in my heart and soul... my inner sanctuary.

It is where I go when life hurls hate, meaness and sadness at me.

And that wooden beam with the carved words?

.... still glowing from the soft warm light, the edges of the wood worn

where I have traced it with my fingers.

May we all find peace and harmony.

May we all have respect and understanding.

Because KINDNESS MATTERS.

MAMA

2011-09-28T10:03:00.000-06:00

done... I had to whip out this art for an upcoming show.. to be delivered next Monday.

Never mind that I have known about this show for months.

Last minute creating.

But I really am happy with the way it turned out.

I think I was thinking about the love of my mama.

All the care she gave me and how loving she is with my daughter and my grandaugher.

She is so loving and generous.

at times to a fault.

So this is about mother's care and love and

how blessed I have been to have her in my life.

LOVE MY MOM AND MY EMALIE

2011-09-27T08:52:00.000-06:00

There is a LOT OF LOVE here.

Counting my blessings this morning. Thinking about how much I love my mom. How blessed that Emalie has had time to spend with her on this last visit. Mom was telling Emalie how Opa died. Emalie was listening so intently. Afterwards, when we left Oma's house, Emalie must of said 6 different times.... "poor Opa."

I wish Dad was still here... for so many reasons. He would of melted with Emalie. She is such a loving little girl. But she gets that from her mom.. and my mom.

I surround these two with love and light.

Always.

my mantra for the day

"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are,

you would never think a negative thought"

Peace Pilgrim

NEW WINTER DESIGN

2011-09-26T14:46:00.000-06:00

WINTER IS COMING!

Keeping my eye on the upcoming season...

work ahead..

even if I am still thinking summer... where did it go?

ARTFULLY RUNNING AWAY

2011-09-26T08:18:00.000-06:00

I had a list a mile long for Sunday. After a way busy few weeks: weekend before last was Winefest in Palisade, and then this past Saturday was Octoberfest here in GWS... PHEW. Yesterday was

my day to catch up, and start on some art that is due to be delivered a week from today. Never mind that I have known about this show for months, and it's only one piece, maybe two mind you.

Dan and I was invited to go on a motorcyle ride with two good friends: Scott and Vona. Then Dan asked Bob and Linda to come too. Everyone was meeting for breakfast here in town so I opted to go to breakfast then head home for chores. Well during breakfast, I was getting pangs of longing to go too. It was a gorgeous day.. fall is staring to come out here in the mtns. And I haven't been out for a nice ride for a long time. So I announced I wanted to come too. Everyone ran back to our house, so I could grab by jacket, helmet and pink high tops and away we went. That's me and Dan in the front and Scott and Vona behind us.

Over McClure and down into Paonia we went, and the colors were spectacular. We stopped at the local Harvestfest to scope out the happenings..

Here's me and Vona.. we were cracking up while Linda took our picture. Then we headed down the road and turned off to head up over the Grand Mesa. We stopped in Cedaredge to have lunch. Dan and I checked out the RV park in town because next weekend we will be there for Applefest. I drive over this Friday with my Subaru loaded and will set up my booth friday afternoon. Then Dan and Marley come over Friday evening in the RV and we will stay two nights in town. It's a fun weekend.. and I hope I do really well with sales. I have been doing these to make extra income.. it's a lot of work, but I love the atmosphere and energy of these events. I am blessed to have Dan help out.. love that man.

I wish I had more pictures of our ride. I was having such a great time, I forgot to pull out my camera. These are from Linda.. thanks sweetie.

STANDING FIRM

2011-09-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

FIRST DAY OF FALL!

picked raspberries while sipping my coffee

found more ripe tomatoes

talked to mom

smiled and kissed my sweet Dan.

hugged Marley.

And speaking of doing my own thing?

This is my blog.

I am allowed to say what I want.

You don't like it?

You don't have to come here and read it.

Free will.

Free country.

And if you want to talk about it?

I' m here..

Have a NICE DAY!

because that's what I am doing.

Promise.

and will do SAME tomorrow everafter.

Here's my daily prayer...

MAY ALL BEINGS BE PEACEFUL.

MAY ALL BEINGS BY HAPPY.

MAY ALL BEINGS BE SAFE.

MAY ALL BEINGS AWAKEN TO

THE LIGHT OF THEIR TRUE NATURE.

MAY ALL THINGS BE FREE.

embrace that prayer.

and

pass it on.

HANGING IN HERE

2011-08-31T09:22:00.001-06:00

Not the best picture, I had to snap it from the back deck. But this cutie was perched on the wire fence, just scanning the yard. I LOVE the way he has his feet... hanging on. He sat there for quite some time. And I thought, this is me. This is how my summer has gone. WAY busy, and WAY too much on my agenda, and not nearly enough time for ART. And me just hanging in there, getting as much done as I can and not fretting too much over the fact that I am not getting as much done as I would like... which I would like to think is really mature of me

That being said, SUMMER IS WANING. Which makes me really sad. But I have to admit, when winter gets here, it does allow me for more time for my art. I have been spending nearly everyday wandering the garden, pulling some weeds, picking tomatoes, marveling at nature, and just "BEING".

Yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of Dad's passing. It's shocking to think he has been gone for 3 years.

I don't think there is a day go by when I don't think of him. It can be a beautiful sunrise, a glimpse of a deer in the woods, a tree that is growing crooked, or a song on the radio that brings a smile to my face. Just little quips of life that make me want to share with Dad. And perhaps he is still here to share, somehow.

I have Mom here with us for a few weeks. Rescued from her life in Denver. Not necessary to go into detail, but I was happy to run to Denver and bring her back for a well needed escape. Speaking of HANGIN ON.. She is getting weary of her present living arrangements. She needs more company. Certainly HAPPY and POSITIVE people around her. We are waiting patiently for an opening at a senior complex and I am hoping it happens soon. I think she is ready at last to live on her own. I so long for her to be happy. Living with grumpy people is like Chinese water torture. I have done it. It sucks. I am so blessed to be gifted with my parents' happy and cheerful spirit.

Because mom is showing signs of wear. Grumpy people can do that to a cheerful spirit. Their black cloud is

tough to abide. I know Dad is with her and keeping an eye on things. But I am beginning to think if she can't move in a reasonable amount of time, it might be time to look at other alternatives. With what time she has left on this earth, it should be in a cheerful happy enviroment. Happy people just don't survive long in gloomy

surroundings. It's like a drought that hits a rain forest. Things begin to wilt. And I am seeing Mom wilt.

Gloomy people are comfortable in their black clouds. But unfortunately, they want to pull you in... share their load. And that's when it gets NOT GOOD. Been there, done that.

Sending you love Dad. Never fear, I will keep my eye on things for you. I miss you.

PIE ART

2011-08-22T08:23:00.001-06:00

First came a local pie contest that needed a design.

Then came a fun sketch on the couch watching tv last night.

Out came the watercolors and ink pen and my pie royalty appeared.

This morning, some photoshop time, and a new

design was born. The actual pie contest design is similar...

This design will go on an apron and kitchen towel to be awarded to the GRAND pie maker at tomorrow night's Glenwood's Downtown Market 1st annual pie contest. Pies, you see, are near and dear to my heart. My mom has baked some amazing pies in her day.. the kind that make your knees feel week when you bite into a warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream melting over the pie. I can make a decent pie, but I think it's only a mere mortal's attempt at Mom's great pies. My grandmother used to make homemade canned mincemeat and every Thanksgiving and Christmas we would line up for a piece of her mincmeat. If you have never had the real McCoy homemade mincemeat pie, instead of the horrible boughten stuff they sell in the stores, you have missed a savory piece of pie history.

Even as kids, me and my clan of cousins, LOVED her mincemeat pies. I wish she were here to bring one of her mincemeat pies. I would be willing to bet, it would bring the grand prize.

HAPPY PIE SMILES EVERYONE!

ta for now

RETRO KITCHEN ART SERIES

2011-08-03T11:53:00.000-06:00

Roosters, honey, cherries, pears and mom's pie.

What a blast I had doing this series! Already sold two.. a chicken and coffee themed art.

I want to do more of these..

when I get TIME~

need more time for art.

my daily cry!

AUGUST ALREADY

2011-08-01T08:02:00.000-06:00

Tall and almost ready to bloom.

SUNFLOWERS!
RED ONES!

can't wait!

These are the little spots in my garden that make me smile.

Blooms from the hens & chicks popping up around the garden critters.

Clematis bloom..

LOVE.

It has been a month of company. All wonderful times.. lots of activity with family. Very little art time.

Emalie was here with her mom for 18 days.

We had so much fun. I tried to absorb every laugh, smile, kiss and hug.

Emalie painted flowers on my studio wall.. a perfect happy rememberance of her

time here.

ART is love.

LOVE is Family.

FAMILY is heart.

HEART is LOVE.

FULL MOON EVENING AND POSIES WITH TOSIES

2011-07-15T09:11:00.000-06:00

MAGICAL

the most loveliest of evenings on the deck watching

the moon come up full and bright making the clouds

all have silver linings.

It filled my heart with pure wonder at nature

and overwhelming feelings of being so blessed in my life.

Emalie with a bouquet of flowers we picked from the garden together.

I thought about my son's favorite nursery rhyme when he was about Emalie's age.

MOSES

Moses supposes

His toes are roses,

But Moses supposes

Erroneously;

For nobody's toeses

Are posies of roses,

As Moses supposes

His toeses to be.

and then I remember Singing in the Rain.. life is just so fun!!!!!
http://youtu.be/ZFxWkUkUsQA

ta

SUMMER GLIMPSES

2011-07-14T07:53:00.000-06:00

BLISS

my girls are here for a couple of wonderful weeks...

such a blessing...

YELLOW SQUASH SOON!

can hardley wait for the yummies...

SHERBERT COLORS

Dahlias... so beautiful.

FUNKY OLD CAR WINDOW WITH FLOWERS

These petunias are such a fun color.

I spotted some orange mango colored petunias in

someone's hanging pots..

must find the source for those!

GARDEN ART

Love the vines filling in the window frame.

TIGER LILLIES

always make me smile.

Summer is 1/2 over and I am promising myself to take time to smell the flowers before they are gone.

I would love to live somewhere where I could have a garden year round. So I must relish everyday of summer's bounty. We have had lots of lovely rain and the garden is just singing!

Art is LIFE.

I am living my ART this summer.

xoxox

LOTS OF ART TIME

2011-06-20T08:44:00.000-06:00

Works in progress

The small watercolor sitting on top of the panel on the upper right is ready to be mounted on the ironing board piece. I am waiting on a retro apron and child's iron that will added to the ironing board piece.

Can't wait for this to be done.

Mom's pies

waiting on a child's wooden rolling pin that I will add to this assemblage piece.

I also need to get plexi-glass pieces cut to cover the watercolor art. This has been such a fun

series that I have been working on.

I just need

TIME!!!!

BIRTHDAY DAY IN MY STUDIO

2011-06-15T12:34:00.000-06:00

prepping a birch panel

texture and paint

ART BIKE

2011-06-05T08:50:00.000-06:00

My husband bought me this nearly new 5 speed ladies cruiser bike at an amazing price at a yard sales last Saturday. Shiny black it was crying for some ARTFUL additions. First I POLKA DOTTED the entire frame with turquoise dots. Then I added some colorful FLOWERS on the basket.. which is removeable.. very handy.

Then I found some funky colorful TASSELS at Pier 1 which were terrific for the ends on the bike handles.

~~~~~TA-DAAAA~~~~

I still need a ding-a-ling bell and a friend even suggested I clip on a Queen of Hearts card with a clothes pin.

Sounds fun.. and reminded me how I used to do that as a kid. But I do have to say, I love the sounds of nature as I peddle along. I will wear my Converse pink high tops whenever I ride my new bike.

I have decided to name her Petula, in rememberance of my art car, Petula.

So I need to do an art sign with the name Petula somewhere on the bike.

FUN.

Make my heart SING.

Life is GOOD!

ta for now

RED HAWTHORN TREE OH MY!

2011-06-02T14:16:00.000-06:00

Our Red Hawthorn tree (also called May tree) is full blooming now.

Here's a close up... the flowers are bright red/pink with a little yellow in the center. They look like tiny roses.

It's absolutely breath taking..

ART in nature.

We are inspired.

BLOOMING GARDEN CHAIR

2011-06-01T07:41:00.000-06:00

FUN!

An old plastic garden chair that we have had for quite awhile. Originally green, then about 4 years ago, I painted it dark red and painted a big purple heart on the back.. it had become faded and forlorn.

So yesterday I tackled it. I spray painted the entire chair then began sponging on pale yellow and white

to create a painterly background. That was time consuming and not really FUN> but then the fun part came with the flowers and dots. I used a lot of house paint. I have started picking up sale cans of house paint at Lowes. Some are in the small sample jars.. about 8 ounces. Those normally sell for 2.95 but on the bargin table, I pick them up for $1.25. And gallon cans sell for $5.00. Any time I step into Lowes, I head over to the paint department to see what colors are available on that bargin table. It's an economical way to pick up acrylic paint. Since I clear coat my paint projects with clear acrylic sprays, that house paint is as long lasting as artists paint.

Today is going to be a GORGEOUS day with WARM temps and blue skies. AHHHHH!!!!! So ready for some nice summer weather. We had a bit of frost yesterday morning, but I had checked with the National Weather Service online and saw the warning so before I went to bed, I covered all my tender plants. Good thing too.. because they would of been frosted. Another day in the life of gardening in the mtns.. cover your

butt!!! We can go from 32 to 80 in one day!

ta for now

MEADOW MOMENTS

2011-05-31T09:25:00.000-06:00

Just in time.

I had so much to do this weekend. We tackled a long list of chores around the house and yard. I had to finish this piece to take to the Glenwood Springs Art Center for the show WILD WOMEN today.. last day to deliver the art. I have a series of small 6 x 6 assemblage art women to take as well. The larger 24 x 36 piece will compliment the colors and style of the 5 smaller assemblages. I am learning it works better to create a cohesive grouping in shows.

Today is BEAUTIFUL. Sunny and promises of warm sunshine for the next few days. The three day weekend was COLD and WINDY and RAINY at times. But we kept busy and really, I was happy not to be camping somewhere cursing the cold weather. You wanted hot soup this weekend.. not hot dogs!

Spring time in the Rockies.. always exciting. Last night we had a freeze warning, so I covered all my tender plants to protect against frost. And good thing, because it did frost lightly last night.

Today I have to tackle WORK in the studio.

When really, I would love to be in the garden pulling dandelions..

they will get another day before I end their reign.

ta...

CHAIR WITH POSIES

2011-05-26T13:04:00.000-06:00

View from the deck.. our back yard is terraced and is starting to come out in it's green summer growth.

I decided this summer to add more art to the garden. And to take more time working in the garden

this summer. I love doing that, but seem to run out of time. And this summer, I plan on devoting much more

time to the garden. It's good for heart and soul.

Here's a closer look. The chair was cheap and I liked the color. It has a woven jute kind of seat but to keep the chair seat in better shape, I decided to put a tray under the pot.

It's a fun look.. and I like hanging the chair and hope to add more funky chairs through the summer.

ART IN PROGRESS

2011-05-25T08:33:00.000-06:00

Starting on a new painting this morning! SUNSHINE OUTSIDE!!!!

QUICK!

Dash outside and be a lizard soaking up some of the golden wonderful warmth.

We have had LOTS of rain, way more than we are used to. We live here for the

beautiful blue Colorado skies and tons of sunshine. So for us, a few weeks of RAIN

gets to us rather quickly.

Mind you, the garden is greening up with the gush of some drunken lush! And that is

the icing on the gloom cake for us. The hills are green around us, the lawns emerald green, the flowers are

staring to show amazing promise. Our lilacs are full out. It's heady to say the least.

But I have missed the sunshine.

So today I am emersing myself in working on the above painting. I have to get some art ready for the upcoming Wild Women Art Show at the local art center. And par for the course, I am working on it

last minute.. between rain storms and sparse sunshine.

Stay tuned for the addition of a goat.

and blue skies.

and some trumpet vines.

ta for now

GARDEN ART

2011-05-23T12:07:00.000-06:00

NEW RED WILLOW TRELLIS

Isn't this sweet? I bought this from an artist friend.. it's small and I planted a purple Clematis vine which will grow fast. In time, I will add a taller trellis that hopefully I can create from tall poles and incorporate it with the existing trellis. Now for another view....

I had this torso piece in my bathroom and decided it was time to go outside. I really like it on the fence. In time, I would like to add more art on the fence. Like old painted chairs that I can add planters into.

That fence is just an old chain link.. which has very little character. There are vines that will grow and fill in as the summer progresses, but I would like to add chairs and birdhouses for more whimsey.

So that will be my summer project when I spot fun cheap chairs and birdhouses at yard sales and thrift stores. Plus this garden is visable from our windows so of course, it will be enjoyed from inside and out!

ta for now

STUDIO HAPPENINGS TODAY

2011-05-18T08:06:00.000-06:00

a new painting just started...

Willie napping in a box in the garage..

note towel - cat hair proofing attempt....

a little colorful fun on the front porch....

a hardy banana plate I bought at Lowe's..

This will summer on the deck then come inside for winter.

Another tropical yearning on my part!

A pile of kitchen towels and aprons that will be shipped out today.

That's the latest from the studio on Wednesday.

WUF IN COLOR

2011-05-04T13:21:00.000-06:00

Starting a series of small art pieces to get ready for an upcoming spring show of Whimsical Women. There will be 20 artistans and it will be held at the lovely Four Mile Bed & Breakfast here in Glenwood Springs.

Besides taking my Lunar Designs products, I also will be taking a lot of art. I am working on small and affordable. My goal is to create pieces that are fun and easy on the pocket!

I love creating on a regular basis and I haven't been doing that lately. Spring always seems to be

a time of things to do a mile long and I often let my early morning art time slide while I focus on other things to

do. sigh. And when I don't have my early morning art time, I start to feel a hole in my soul.

So I am promising myself to keep my art time at the top of the list as much as possible.

But that will also include some art time in the garden.

I CHOOSE to be creative.

I CHOOSE to be fruitful.

ta for now.

HOLY MOLY FUNGI BATMAN

2011-05-03T16:30:00.000-06:00

Discovered this big fat bandit mushroom growing in my hibiscus plant!!!! I have two of these plants which have been wintering in the dining room enjoying a sunny warm season patiently waiting for warmer weather.

Look at the size of this monster!!!! I have cedar planks around the base of the plants.. to keep our cat from using the planters as convenient pottie places. Wondering if the mushroom spores came from these cedar shingles? They were used, recycled off a roof of a shed. When Willie decided mid winter, it was easier to use the nice soft dirt in these planters rather than go outside, I had to put a stop to it. Because, he won't use the litter box unless absolutely necessary.

Yes you... leisure boy.

Doesn't he look like he is really concerned about all this.....

ta for now

RE-PURPOSED TOOLBOX

2011-05-02T08:04:00.000-06:00

This toolbox was passed on to me from my husband.

After cleaning it up, I found a spot for it above my drawing table.

Before I kept all my drawing pencils, colored pencils, etc in an assortment of coffee mugs.

They would start out seperated and neat, and then end up in a mass of confusion.

So yesterday I sat down and seperated my collection. I have a nice array of colored pencils

from high quality colored pencils, to watercolor pencils, to pastel pencils, and charcoal pencils,

and oil pastels.

I cut corrugated wedges to create compartments within the drawers

and then labeled the outside drawers.

I am really pleased with the end results.

And hoping I can keep these in a nice orderly fashion!

It's a fun way to repurpose a tool box,

don't you think?

HE'S A WORKING DOG

2011-05-01T09:57:00.002-06:00

yes, he is.

I had this in a local art show last month, and thankfully, he was not adopted by anyone and has come home to mama. I had such a fun time making this piece. I had found the aluminum lunch box months ago and

knew it would be a perfect find for some future art assemblage.

woof... here he is.

His head is made from an old bird feeder that I had bought for my dad years ago. It had fallen apart and

my father saved it in his collection of stuff. I inherited back when Dad passed, and finally found

a perfect use for it. The dog's ears are shoe tongues that I cut out of a pair of men's dress shoes.

The eyes are bottle caps attached by large pop rivets. When I was riveting them on, I was holding my breath and praying that I wouldn't crack the wook with the pressure of the rivet gun. PHEW!!! No cracks.

The top of the bird feeder had this lovely top so it was attached creating a nice jaunty hat. The dog's tongue is cut from an old water bottle. The legs of course, are old carpenter folding rulers. I love his profile.
Initially, I thought I would create a stand for him but he sits nicely on his belly and appears to be leaping
with JOY! And now I am happy he is perched playfully here at home. Sometimes it's nice to live with your creations. He makes me smile!
HAPPY SMILES TO YOU.... TA

ROYAL WEDDINGS, FRIENDS AND FUN

2011-04-30T15:43:00.000-06:00

So, the big wedding day was Friday. I am not a big whoowhoo person. I don't follow all the

tra-la-la stuff on royal shindigs and happenings, nor really any famous celebrities for that matter.

One of our fashionistas from the farmer's market Sue (4th from the left) hosted this wedding party.

The girls wanted to actually do a pajama party and watch the wedding live, which would of been 2 a.m. mountain standard time. I kept shaking my head no and thankfully, they finally decided to tape the wedding and we would watch it Friday evening at Sue's.

So we dressed. I came as Fergie which was easy because I could wear jeans and a t shirt!!!! ( my kind of dress up!!) and it was fun. Even I had to admit it was fun.

And it was a good news for a change... with all the war, the big terrible storm that tore up the south and took lives, all that is so heart breaking to hear.

But seeing two people who have fallen in love, get married and kiss and the world watched and smiled.

Well, that was nice if I do say so myself.

ta..

SPRING IN THE GARDEN

2011-04-25T13:21:00.000-06:00

Springtime.. love the smells, love the green, love new growth. We have had LOTS of rain which is a gift to the garden. The cherry tree is starting to blossom and we are keeping our fingers crossed that the frost stays away so the cherries will be abundant this summer.

The apricot tree is glorious in bloom.. and I am again hoping for a good summer crop.

The rain can be a little overwhelming sometimes but when you look out and see how the plants and trees are responding to all this abundant moisture, then you feel a little guilty complaing about the succession of cloudy days we have had!

Nature is so inspiring!!

ta for now

SPRING DOG DOODLES

2011-04-19T07:50:00.000-06:00

Still love to doodle and now and then, I let the pen just go with wild fun. I am so ready for spring.

We had a big rain storm last night and the ground is now covered with debris from the trees. We have cottonwood trees, huge towering things behind our property. These are not the cottonwoods that

send out puffy cotton, but they do produce sprigs of seeds called catkins.. and LOTS of them. They are mulberry colored and each blossom has about 3 to 4 sprigs. They cover our cars, the yard.. I have been sweeping them up daily. Worse, when they get wet, that mulbery color will slightly stain your car! And the seed pods that you see at the base of the these sprigs, are sticky and leave a bit of sap on your car.

Oh, the bounty of spring! If catkins were pennies, I would be rich!

Yesterday, I noticed little chickadees fluttering around the front of cars parked by the resturant. As I watched, they were jumping up onto the front bumpers of cars and picking the bugs out of the grills.

Isn't nature amazing?

ta for now.

SPRING ART PROJECTS

2011-04-17T12:44:00.000-06:00

Spring is peeking around the yard this weekend.

Sure signs we are getting spring weather here in the mountains.

Rescued wicker chair from the town's spring clean up.. tossed in a pile of yard debris to be picked up.

I brought the chair home, found a can of blue paint on sale at Lowe's and tada.. new chair. Next

came the two rocker patio metal chairs.. once a dark green, now painted a perky spring green.

Then three new cushions and TADA!!!! a nice set for the front porch.

And last, a new collage painting I did for Dan and me. I made one similar for my son and his

honey, and liked it so well, I decided to make one for Dan and me.

Next..

lentil soup for dinner tonight.

It's cool and cloudy and soup sounds delicious!

ta for now

and a month later....

2011-04-06T11:10:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe it's been over a month since I have been here. Time has been flying by. Lots of new art for art shows, spring yard clean ups between snow storms, mom visiting, end of ski season parties, oh the list goes on and on.

So, this morning, I decided to move the little hutch over in the corner of our dining room to open up more room around the table. Which then meant I had to rearrange the "gallery art". The walls of our great room are painted a lovely soft wheat yellow and for some reason, that soft glowing color isn't showing up in these photos. But then it's a cloudy day. I have several large pots of flowers that are wintering inside (one is the huge geranium that is by the patio door). Those will move outside when the weather finally warms up.

We have had some lovely spring days, and some typical snow days.. the usual spring time in the rockies.

It's always fun to rearrange. Keeps the energy flowing through the house. And springtime is always a perfect time to spruce up the homestead, both inside and out. I am itching for summer. My favorite time of the year.

And I vow to work on Dad's shrine art that I want to do. Especially since Dad came by in my dream last night. It was a quick visit, and then he blew me a kiss goodbye. It has left me very nostalgic today.

ta for now

ahhhh.. summer is around the corner

CAMY LOVES SUNFLOWERS!

2011-03-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

A cheery sunflower for a sweetie named Camy.

I used a corner frame sample for the base to attach the sunflower and leaves ( using painted recycled linoleum) and then I attached beads and fabric ties for more fun.

This is a house warming gift for my friend Camy.

She is as cheerful and sunny as a whole field of sunflowers and a wonderful artist.

I am so thrilled for her today.

She is a bright spot for all who know her.

xoxo to Camy.

IZ

2011-03-05T16:47:00.002-07:00

I could listen to Iz every day. His voice is pure Hawaiian Aloha.

I often do art while listening to his cd.

May your world be filled with much Aloha

and may Iz's spirit touch yours.

Here's another Hawaiian favorite of mine.

read this:

http://www.lynnjohnsonphoto.com/index.php?s=galleries&p=hawaii

HA.

A part of my heart will always be in Hawaii.

aloha.

DADDY'S GIRL

2011-03-04T09:13:00.002-07:00

Today is Dad's birthday. He would of been 84. It's hard to think Dad's been gone now for 2 1/2 years. I was a real Daddy's girl. Growing up, he opened up a world of wonder and curiosity and I attribute my desire to be an artist because of his influence. He loved the mountains and would tromp or 4 wheel endlessly, always wanting to see what was on the other side. Always noticing the small details around him.

In this picture, taken about 1955, Mom and I were saying goodbye before we boarded the train for New York and then a cruise ship that would take up to Europe. Mom had suffered the loss of my brother, Michael, who died at about 9 months old, from what was originally thought Leukemia but later was discovered to be a blood disorder that could of been corrected with a simply blood transfusion. It left Mom fragile and homesick for her family back in Germany. We went back for 3 months, and it was quite an adventure for me. I remember odd things about the trip.. the clock in Munich that had dancing life sized people that would come out and whirl around when the clock chimed. A nougat candy that came in a round tin with a small wooden spoon to scoop out and eat. Mom's Viceroy ciggerrettes that she would get out of a vending machine on the boat. The scary mean Santa that came to my grandmother's apartment with a switch- a monster compared to our fat jolly version in the states. Note the frills and lace I am wearing..

ghad. I still to this day do not like frilly or lace from all the foofoo mom would dress me up in. And those curls.. pink sponge curlers - because my hair is stick straight!

But most of all, I remember how thrilled I was to come home to Daddy.. and how happy our little family of three reunion was. A new tricycle for me and lots of kisses for mom.

Miss you Dad..

Hope you are having a wonder-filled day somewhere.. perhaps trekking a meadow filled with flowers and birds and lots of sunshine. Wishing we could be with you.. I know mom wishes it daily.

ta for now

STUDIO TIME

2011-03-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

I have been cranking out lots of recycled linoleum art pins. I am taking a batch to the opening tomorrow night at the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities for our opening of our show UNTAMED AND RECLAIMED. We are seven artists who have shown together for years and we collectively approached CCAH about a show featuring recycled art. Of course, this is bliss for me because I use a LOT of recycling objects in my art.

I promise to take lots of pictures highlighting the event and the art. We are to all dress up.. and I have

my outfit poised and ready to wear.

Today a snow storm is approaching our area, and I am keeping my spirit up for spring. It's maddening this time of year to have days in the 60's and then WHAM - snow. And we can have some whopper snow storms. But! Spring snow can be over quickly, the sun returns and so do the robins.

ta for now.

QUIRKY FACES TIMES FOUR

2011-03-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

These are the four faces I created using painted recycled linoleum. I added found objects for features

and each face was mounted on wooden cradle boards 6 x 6 that I covered with dictionary paper. More in the future I think. These will be in the upcoming show Untamed and Reclaimed at the CCAH show.

Opening is this friday evening. We are to dress up. I have my outfit ready to go.. and it should be great fun.

ta for now

GOOD DOG

2011-02-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

WEEKEND ART:

Recycled linoleum painted and cut into doggie parts and then assembled with pop rivets.

Collar made from a black zipper section and eye is a large washer painted black and attached using

a large pop rivet.

Next the wooden cradle board painted with acrylics. I scribbled a dog verse throughout the background.

and lastly dribbled lime green paint to create grass like effects. Can you tell I am in the mood for spring?

Waiting for the paint to dry. Sigh. I am so impatient. The dribble paint is fun but it takes at least overnight to thoroughly dry.

TADA!

A happy colorful mutt dancing among the flowers.

Another wonderful day doing art in my studio.

Joy-full indeed.

PIF

PAY IT FORWARD

donate some art to a worthy cause in your area.

If you are like me, you have a stash that is sitting in your studio.

It makes you feel so good to contribute an art piece for the good.

Whenever I read of a local benefit with a silent auction, I jump up and

donate some art. Contributing and good feelings.

A nice way to spread the good vibes of ART!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

NEW ADDITION TO THE STUDIO

2011-02-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Marley here checking on the new copier that was delivered yesterday. This is a happy day for me!!!!

I have been struggling for sometime with my old Canon copier knowing full well I was going to have to

make the leap for a new one. The Canon was my best workhorse here in the studio. I even named her REMARKABLE! She was: she lived beyond her years, trudging along, with the help from my tech who didn't feel the same affection for her as I did, but nonetheless, kept her running. So yesterday I welcomed the new copier and said goodbye to Remarkable. A little sad to see her go. We've been working together now for seven years!

And now a new Ricoh. Great Expections indeed. Perhaps I should name this one Pip. Surprising revelation: These new copiers are smaller and more energy efficient and... (here's the

surprise) cheaper! wow.. lots cheaper. Even a year ago, this would of cost so much more.

So it was delightful to find out my lease cost would be 3/4's less than the lease price I paid for the Canon.

I had opted to do a $1.00 buy out for the Canon... which was the smart thing to do now in hindsight.

Even with the added cost of toner and part supplies and tech repair bills, it still bought me at least 3 more years of service. But when you start doing incantations over the copier in hopes of a productive day

with no copier glitches, well, it's time.

So today is a happy day... with Pip onboard.

Yes, I like that name.

I christen her PIP.

Even though PIP was a boy's name in Great Expectations,

I know her gender..:)

ta for now

TWO FRIENDS: FRICK AND FRACK

2011-02-17T10:58:00.001-07:00

FRICK

FRACK

They live on the same block and pal around all the time.

You just never see one without the other. Co-dependency at it's best.

one. two.

Finding "hair" for my characters keeps me on constant watch.

I have been known to slowly wander the hardware store with my artist antenne full on.

You just never know what you will find. Ditto at the thrift shops. We have some great

thrift shops here locally, but sometimes their selctions are too "nice". I lean toward the

more junk elite kind of stuff. Free piles are often a good score place for electic finds.

And till the yard sales start up again this summer, I am kind of limited for sources.

I will tell you what I used for the tall spikey hair. That one is compliments of my husband.

While he has been known to bring me home flowers, often, he will bring home great finds

that he knows will light up my life. That black spikey stuff? It's from a huge bristle brush

that you see attached to buses..to keep the gunk from spraying out as the wheels whip down the road.

Sort of a curtain of bristles. I have one that obviously dropped off the bus and my sweet honey picked it up and brought it home to me.

How wonderful is he?

The small spikes on the other one, is hair pins. In case you were wondering!

PIF

If you spot something totally wild and cool, remember the kooky artist in your life.

ta for now.

WE ARE FAMILY

2011-02-16T14:43:00.001-07:00

So here's my art for the day. I had a big old paintbrush, a wisk broom, and some kind of goop scooper thingie jiggy tool. Perfect for faces. Using "stuff" to create the face elements on the painted recycled painted linoleum ( love love working with this stuff) I created the faces. I had originally hung them as solos, but then decided they would look really fun together..

a family.

So I dug out an old cabinet door, painted it with my favorite colors and attached these happy faces.

And I love it.

How lucky am I to do art!?

Giggles and grins.

PIF.

it's all good!!

I invite you to do the same.

3 CUPS OF COFFEE

2011-02-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

3 Cups of Coffee

This is a fun piece I did using recycled products and items to create this art. The birds, cups and heads are all made from recycled linoleum that I paint. I am having lots of fun using this as an art medium. I started this piece out by using an old kitchen cabinet door that I prepped and painted a nice red. The red paint was from one of those on sale sample paint containers at Lowes. I always pop by the paint sale table and see if there are any colors that I can pick up. It's an economical way to buy paint. I stenciled the numbers on in black and then added the elements of recycled linoleum art. I decided it needed a fun border, so I started out with white polka dot,s which led to red polka dots and then I added circles cut from book pages. Then to tie in the black birds I added the black painted stripes. And then I decided I was done.

This will be one of the pieces that I put in the upcoming show in March at the CCAH gallery.

More to come.

ART WEEKEND

2011-01-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

recycled linoleum art

my new fun art phase

This recycled cabinet door started with a coat of varied greens and blues with white spatters.

I decided to create a girl and a bird standing in the garden. I made the flowers out of painted recycled linoleum and fabric. Even some oil cloth. The stems are black zippers. I used telephone wires for her hair

and then created a mosaic for the upper borders of the frame.

I am sitting with it for a few days. I am still battling my cold which now has turned into a sinus infection

so am running to the clinic the morning to get some antibiotics. This bug is cutting into my work schedule and my art time. Can't have that, now can I?

PIF>

embrace your good health.

and stay creative.

WORK IN PROGRESS

2011-01-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

Bare bones so far on this piece. Adding the elements and then I can work on detail. I was trying to decide on the border color.. and because of all the bright colors decided white. Thinking about adding black stripes or checks but not sure yet. I want to do a lot of flowers and then arrange them .. for now they are simply setting on the board.

I have caught a rotten cold and it really depletes my creative energy. Yesterday I was too sick to do anything. Today feeling better, but having to do some laundry,etc before I can totally do art. Which is probably better anyway.

I have been using the linoleum for the flowers but decided to add some fabric on the round flower. I will also paint some colors and patterns on the lino flowers when I get them all done. When everything is done, I want to seal it all with Golden's high gloss varnish.

Planning on a series of this style for the upcoming show in March which is about recycled art. I have really liked playing with the linoleum. It's easy to cut and creates wonderful texture. I am in the mood for springtime flowers and color. January can be so dreary.. but not here in my studio!

But for now,

time to catch up on the necessary parts of life.

PIF

create a joyful space in your world

it makes everyone smile!

NEW ART

2011-01-20T08:34:00.002-07:00

finally.

I have been over thinking this piece.

Which is an affliction that I get now and then.

Disconnect the thinking and tap into the muse.

So I did.

And I am already smiling at this piece.

Using a recycled cabinet door.. the back of it.

Sanded and painted.

Have plans to cover the border.

Using all recycled on this piece.

Upcoming show

Untamed and Reclaimed.

fun fun.

smiling

PIF

life is precious

and meant for joy.

GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT ART OR NOT

2011-01-16T08:31:00.005-07:00

I have an art show coming up in March. That's 6 weeks from now. And I have been brewing ideas for several weeks now with no true vision of what I want to do.

Does that sound familiar?

So this morning I made a conscious decision to be unconscious...

thanks to a fellow artist's comments about such.

This is my morning's work. Prepping linoleum as my art medium. Just going with my current

interest in recycle art. Repurposing. I will use these painted pieces of linoleum to create my series of

recycle themed art. The small squares air drying on a clothes dryer rack, something I use often to dry painted dictionary pages. Works quite well. The multi colored painted piece above is larger as I was going for multi colors. I might do another less blended piece.. more jackson pollack kind.. splatters and splashes, to get another kind of color and texture.

As to unconscious. Yes. That is the exact message I needed to hear this morning.

Relying on my thinking brain rather than my muse.. would continue to create blocks for me.

Opening the door to the unknown and letting play and heart come into my art, that is where I want to go.

I know this. I have know this for a long time.

But my persistent brain keeps bullying it's way into the studio.

So thanks for PIF

from the artist who commented on his FB page.

He has no idea what he did for me today.

I hope I am PIF for you today.

Let your art muse guide you.

ta for now.

NEW MORNING NEW DAY NEW POSSIBLITIES

2011-01-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Morning World.

I gasped at this sight.

I feel the JOY of LIFE

of NEW promises..

new POSSIBLITIES..

A birth of what if.

I am blessed with the gift of positive attitude. I live my life in the light of YES.

And when I listen to a dear friend hurt with depression and hard times,

my heart breaks. I want to reach out and comfort.

I try to help, but often it's not wanted.

So I have to pull back and allow them their place in their Valley.

And then I feel a great gush of gratitude that I am able to live up high on my hilltop.

Oh but don't think I never feel the blues.

There are days when I trip and roll into the ditch and even times when I will spend some length of

down time.

But, thank God, I am able to pull myself up, dust myself off and whistle a happy tune.

This is the gift I think my Dad gave me. He often would say to us..

"don't cry over spilt milk"

thanks Dad.

It has served me well in my life.

I have always found great joy in small things.

(another Dad gift)

A good cup of coffee on a cold morning.

A snuggle with my honey.

The smell of his neck after his shower.

The nudge of our sweet lover boy dog early in the morning to wake me up.

The sound of laughter from my grandchild, even on a video.

It's that little moment in the day that makes your heart swell up and smile.

It's what I try to bring into my art.

PIF
yes

I will try that everyday of my life.

xooxox

SO MUCH FUN WITH RECYCLED ART!

2011-01-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

I made more pins after yesterday's great SALE for 10 of these recycled linoleum pins to one great

artist friend of mine

http://elizabethsthilairenelson.blogspot.com/

Her art is AMAZING and her creative, abundant energy is mind boggling.

She saw my pins on facebook, and wanted 10 of them!

To have someone of her art caliber love my art, and buy, well I was just one happy girl yesterday.

Things have been perking up around here. I have unloaded some dead weight from my business... some by their choice, some by mine. And lo and behold, the good jujus just started flowing my way.

New Year, New Hope, New Possiblities.

It's a beautiful way to start your year.

And I am very grateful and and mindful of the shift in energy.

ART just makes my life complete.

smiling,

PIF

and I will!

ta for now

BTW

the new pins are listed on my etsy site

http://www.lindadrake.etsy.com/

fun for Valentines Day

birthdays

or even bliss yourself.

xoxoxo

MORE SUNSHINE

2011-01-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

This morning I decided to sit on the couch, watch True Grit.. the original version with John Wayne, and stitch

up my insert for this art piece I did yesterday. I used some old white fabric that is wonderfully quilted, probably from an old mattress cover. I liked the soft homey look to the fabric. I lightly penciled the words in,

changing House to Home because it just is more, well, HOMEY! than house. I also added more

linoleum art to put a sun over the words. I really, really am pleased with the outcome. It just is a happy

piece of art.

And I was so happy to watch the old John Wayne True Grit. We went to see the new version last night.

I wasn't impressed, I am sorry to say. I have always liked Jeff Bridges but for me, he just didn't cut it

for this movie. For one thing, I had a hard time understanding his drawl.. he mumbled and often I couldn't understand exactly what he was saying. I liked Hailee Stanfield protrayal as Mattie about as equally well as I liked Kim Darby. Matt Damon was better than Glen Campbell, that goes without saying. But the new version overall, no. Filmed in Texas, not Colorado like the original version, so I am probably biased. Though anyone

would like the scenery in the original I would think!

I am still a TRUE fan of John Wayne. Always will be.

PIF

smile at someone today!

LAUTHTER IS THE SUNSHINE IN A HOUSE

2011-01-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful sunny day and I have spent my morning creating just for the JOY of art.

I had this wooden frame in my stockpile.. a find from the thrift shop. I look for these flat wide wooden frames

that I can do art on. I have been playing with the linoleum and did some cut out flowers, hearts and even a butterfly. So I decided to create an assemblage of these shapes on this frame I had painted turquoise.

The words struck a cord in me.. a quote from William M. Thackeray.

Though now that I google it, I am finding

"A good laugh is the sunshine in a house"

I printed the words on cardstock and temporarily mounted it

in the frame.

Because I am planning on stitching the words on cloth.

But for now, this will do till I get time to do the stitching.

Adddint the roof was an added last touch after I choose the words.

I think this will be a happy addition to our happy home.

so smile today.

and remember to

PAY IT FORWARD.

RECYCLED LINOLEUM ART

2011-01-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have been playing with linoleum..

It's flexible, you can cut it with scissors,

paint it...

SO FUN!!!!!

I made these pins for friends for Valentine's Day.

You could also make these into magnets

Oh. I am going to have lots of fun with this new medium!!!

Plus it's recycling.

I am planning to stop by flooring stores to see if they

have scraps they are tossing out.

FREE

always makes me smile!

AND MY NEW WORD FOR 2011

stay tuned.

HEART WINGS

2011-01-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

24 x 24 mixed media

titled

HEART WINGS

I used Starbuck cup sleeves to make her wings.

Her dress is painted paper collage.

I have used this method before but not as painterly as this attempt.

I think I am hooked.

Really fun.

Birds were torn from painted dictionary pages.

I have about 6 dictionaries that I use for mixed media.

I find them at the thrift shop.

I especially like the kind of paper in dictionaries.

I used a pencil to outline some areas.

Kimberely brand #9xxB

works beautifully over paint.

These are painted linoleum squares. Another fun experiement I tried.

Linoleum cuts so easy to make any shape.

I have to find some more of this "medium"

I love it!

This piece will go into the upcoming show at the Glenwood Springs Art Center. It was so great

to be back into doing art. I have been so busy through December with orders. It's really, really cold outside these past few days. Single digit. I am not a winter person, especially when it gets this terribly cold.

So doing art in the studio with my wood burning stove crackling softly in the back ground,

Marley laying peacefully at my feet, and mom reading while she's here visiting.. we have had a nice

time. Life is Good.

New Year.

Thinking about what my new word for 2011 will be.

ta for now.

NEW WINGS

2010-12-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

This morning's work. A reclaimed canvas.

Linoleum sanded, gessoed, then painted.

cut into squares to create flowers.

old book pages cut into hearts.

wings cut out of starbuck cup sleeves.

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

2010-12-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

I am driving up to Carbondale to add to this tree.

It lifted my spirit.

It makes me proud to be human.

We are good inside.

All of us.

NOW

TO DO LIST

2010-12-21T11:29:00.001-07:00

BAKE COOKIES

WRAP GIFTS

LAST MINUTE CARDS

TWO PARTIES TO ATTEND

KEEP SMILING

COUNT MY BLESSINGS

now

BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR

2010-12-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

You have heard it before.. there are just not enough time in day. I blink and it's another day gone by.

I take moments out of each day to enjoy the bliss of the season. I found these adorable red rubber boots

complete with polka dots at the thrift shop, and had to have them. Plop in some holiday greens and berries and now they are sitting on the front steps, making a smiling addition to the holiday decorations.

I have gotten two packages mailed, one more to go out on Monday. Our annual holiday party is tomorrow night here at the house. Tonight is my husband's annual Christmas dinner party. Sunday, I am planning on a full on jammie day. Do some baking, do some art, take a nap... just enjoy a quiet day at home.

Neglecting some things like this blog, but trying not to neglect the really important stuff that is so

essential this time of year.

Hope you are doing the same.

NOW.

GARLANDS OF COLOR

2010-11-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have made three of these garlands. I used strands of white lights doubled and then simply tie on the

fabric strips. It creates such a fun explosion of color and even with the lights out, the color is festive.

I hung one above the breakfast nook, one over the kitchen window and the 3rd one I am taking to hang over my art when I do my display this Friday and Saturday at the Whimsical Women of the West Annual Holiday Show. I will hang some of my art, some of my kitchen towels and nightshirts.. that will be a bright and

colorful display!

I decked out the house yesterday, the tree is up, the garland hung, and the house is looking really ready for the holidays. I need to start baking and if I decorate the house, it gets me in the mood. I love to put my old favorite holiday movies on while I bake. Or holiday Christmas music. It snowed yesterday and more is

predicted for today.

But for NOW
I must jump into my orders.

HI OPA

2010-11-27T09:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we stopped by to see Opa's grave site. I don't always feel his presence here but this was

a big important part of my mother's healing to have his grave and to keep the yellow flowers in place.

Now that Mom no longer lives in the same town as the cemetery, she doesn't get to stop by to visit the grave and to check on the flowers. An old family friend named John does it. And it looks like he is doing a great job. This is how I found the grave with the flowers nicely tucked in place. You can't even tell they are

fake. And it does cheer up his resting place.

As we drove away from the cemetery, I thought about Dad and how much I miss him. There seems to

be a void where he once was, and I think we all feel it in the family. Most of all Mom. She is adjusting

but it's a daily struggle it seems. And she often will tell me how much she wishes she could just go to sleep and never wake up.

It's sad to hear, but I understand.

I tend to embrace my fondest memories of Dad. How he loved to take naps with Dumas their beloved cat.

And how he was such a funny guy to talk to. And a good listener. I miss that about him among other things.

ta Dad..

Hope you and Dumas are talking a nice nap together now in Paradise.

xoxoxox

MORE STUDIO TIME

2010-11-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was thinking the upcoming Whimsical Women was this weekend.. which launched me into

a panic attack. But silly me, I was a week early in my head. So this morning, in my jammies, I started working on more ornaments to add to my stash that I will be taking to sell.

This is wonderful.. a whole week more than I was thinking. I love it when that happens.

But the art time is done for now,

and I must step into my order mode and work on getting all my orders completed.

I would like a day "off" tomorrow to get some grocery shopping done and house cleaning.

No big crowds for Thanksgiving, and in fact, I am not cooking a turkey. We had a turkey dinner last weekend, so I decided to do a nice lasagna for dinner. It's a working ski day for Dan, and a hearty

lasagna will be wonderful in his eyes.. and his tummy.

NOW
to work to work to work!

today cold blue skies

tomorrow snow

MORE KITCHEN WREATHS

2010-11-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

More wreaths..

the first one has small mini molds, wooden spoons & wooden cloths pins, oil cloth bows with bottle cap and buttons.. kind of fun!

the 2nd one

flowers cut from aluminum cans with button centers, and more oil cloth leaves.

Instead of making holiday wreaths, I decided to make recycled fun wreaths that can be used any time.

I used paint cards fromt the paint store cut and punched for tags.

These will go with my black crows birds to the Whimsical Women Show coming up this Friday night and Saturday. All the fun will take place at the new 3rd Street Center in Carbondale. Friday night

is 1st Friday which always draws a huge crowd of people.

FUN

but NOW

work starts for the day.

OIL CLOTH WREATH

2010-11-18T08:24:00.004-07:00

My original intentions for making these wreaths, was to sell them at Unique Boutique last weekend. But,

the oil cloth that I ordered came by slow camel and finally showed up a few days ago. I love oil cloth and the bright colors. And I envisioned a wreath made up with various patterns and colors. I might add more to this.. maybe some old kitchen utensils, etc. I didn't have an actual wreath to start with. We live in

a fairly large mtn town, but we haven't any craft stores here. There are two Wal-Marts here but the craft section has been really cut back. So for me to drive to a Hobby Lobby or Michael's it's a 3 hour round trip.

I brainstormed walking around the hardware store and found some foam pipe covers (3/4 inch) diameter and 3 feet long. " pipe insulation" but how about a wreath shape?

To give the foam circle strength, I took a wire hanger shaped it into a circle and used the foam pipe cover to fashion into a wreath. Since the covers are slit they feed onto the wire hanger easily. I peeled off the yellow tape that covers the sticky so the slit seals. It worked pretty good, though I would of rather used a straw wreath, but you can't always get what your want, right?

The good news, these foam covers cost only about $4 for 4 for them. So it's a cheap alternative! I did use low heat hot glue since I was gluing onto to the foam. I cut out all the leaf shapes, pinched the ends to create more of a leaf shape and stapled three leaves together to form a sprig of sorts. Then it was just a matter of arranging the leaves artfully and gluing them on. I want to make 4 total. I can take them over to the art center to sell and also the upcoming Whimsical Women sale I will be in coming up Dec 4th and 5th in Carbondale.

So that is my quick "art" for this morning. I must jump into a huge pile of orders.. blessings for the business.

After 5 days of technical difficulties with my Canon Copier, my tech finally got it fixed. I was really frustrated

and trying to stay positive but with big orders looming over my head, and my production stopped, I was

really going nuts.

okay

NOW!!!

to work

YEAH!

SNOW AND CROWS

2010-11-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's officially a snowday here. Woke up to about 5 inches of WET snow.. which by this afternoon, is melting nicely. I am still recovering from the big sale at Unique Boutique on Saturday. A lot of work and a very successful day for me. I was tired and happy by the end of the day. Yesterday I took a nice long nap and was really enjoying be lazy.

Today I am waiting on my tech for my copier.. so I decided to list the crows on Etsy. I sold lots of art,

but not the Crows. So they are destined for other places. I am convinced they will sell.. I love the bright colors and know they will be a hit. I had great intentions of taking lots of pictures at the sale on Saturday, but

I was so busy I didn't have time! We had a great crowd, the little church ladies were selling cupcakes and cookies right next to my booth space and I admit I had to have some.

This week is full to the brim with orders and todos. And I am ready to take another nap!

SMILE

for NOW

CREATING TODAY

2010-11-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Today I jumped into these wooden art crows. I had found these wooden flower head cutouts at the local thrift shop awhile back. They eluded me until this week, when I envisioned crows.. bright and colorful.

I am taking these to the Unique Boutique Saturday to sell along with my Lunar Designs kitchen towels, nightshirts, aprons, etc.. I purposely choose bright cheery colors to compliment my white products that are printed with my colorful designs. I think it will make for a nice mix. Happy that I was able to get these all done. I still need to attach the wire back hangers tonight and spray the crows with clear acrylic. And price them. Always a hard choice for me, as for many artists I think.

So in one day, I did a week's worth of early morning art. It's now almost 4:00 pm, I have some more printing to do for the show on kitchen towels, etc. And I have absolutely no idea what I am fixing for dinner

this evening. PLUS I need to go to the store. Ahh the busy life here.

NOW

a bit more printing.

INSPIRATION FROM ANNE

2010-11-05T08:34:00.003-06:00

I walked into my studio early this morning, and the first thing that caught my eye is this collage painting I did several years ago. I have been wanting to do something to it.. I even played with the idea of gessoing over

it and painting something new allowing the textures of flowers to show through.

But last night, I started reading "Imperfect Birds" by Anne Lamont. I always feel such a tenderness when I hear her name. She has such a gift of word and spirit. Forever my favorite book of hers is

"Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life"

When I opened the book last night, the first thing I read is a poem by James Wright titled

"A Blessing"

Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,

Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.

And the eyes of those two Indian ponies

Darken with kindness.

They have come gladly out of the willows

To welcome my friend and me,

We step over the barbed wire into the pasture

Where they have been grazing all the day, alone.

They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness

That we have come.

They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.

There is no loneliness like theirs..

At home once more,

They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.

I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,

For she has walked over to me

And nuzzled my left hand.

She is black and white,

Her mane falls wild on her forehead,

And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear

That is delicate as the skin over a girl's wrist.

Suddenly I realize

That if I stepped out of my body I would break

Into blossom.

There are times when I read something, that my heart just leaps into the words. And I want to read it over and over again. I want to print it out and paste it on the wall so I can be touched by this brief beauty that

surrounds me like a mother's loving arms.

So I decided to add the words to the piece. It's what it's been waiting for.

It's what I have been waiting for.

Thank you Anne Lamott for bringing me this touching moment.

And I haven't even really begun the book. I am sure it will be

wonderfully Anne.

So this is my ART for day 5 of AEDM.

NOW

I have a huge pile of orders to tackle.

gratefully.

CLEANSING BREATH EVERYONE

2010-11-03T06:27:00.000-06:00

Just finished these two sweet kitty ornaments.. making lots to go to the art center for the Winterfest

show that I am going to be in. It's such a great place to holiday shop!

I had to figure out a way to display these. VERTICALLY! So yesterday I ran out to Habitat for Humanity Restore and found a white shutter door.. it's the perfect size to hang on the wall and hook on my

ornaments. And BEST, all doors where 1/2 off so I got it for $5. I am heading over later this

morning to set up my display and will take a picture to post later. The show hangs till Christmas

so it's a great place to sell and not have to be there everyday!

I just need to do as much as possible for the 3 shows I am in.

Can someone tell me how to clone myself!?

Or not sleep!?

NOW

more art.

and oh,

I am breathing FRESH CLEAN AIR this morning.

Isn't it wonderful? Can you smell that clean fresh air?

Like the air after a wonderful rain?

BREATH DEEP!

because.....

NO MORE POLITICAL BASHING>

Thank God!

we are over that for awhile.

phew!

SANTA CLAWS

2010-11-02T14:17:00.000-06:00

this cat just had to become a christmas design.

a doodle cat

with attitude

xoxo

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS DOGGIE STYLE

2010-11-02T14:14:00.000-06:00

WUF Day 2

Appropriate that I do these dog ornaments. I spent the morning taking both our dog and cat to the vet for the yearly exam and shots. Marley weighs 84 pounds.. phew... and Willie is a neat 14 pounds..

Both are healthy and fine so it was a good vet's visit.

I have some of these old star shaped jello molds, and decided they would be fun dogs/cats for ornaments.

I haven't done the cats yet.. though I have sketched some ideas how to do them.

I am using bottle caps for the eyes, assorted metal for the ears and tongue and the noses are beads.

I am doing ART everyday for the Novemeber ART challenge..so this is day 2.

TA for now.

DOG GONE CHRISTMAS

2010-10-29T08:33:00.000-06:00

Through some of my wonderful facebook artist friends, I was reminded how much I love to do these

doodles.. also known as Zentangles. I guess there is some claims that the word Zentangles can only be used by certified "zentanglists" of which I really have to shake my head in disbelief. And I won't waste my energy on that subject.

Instead, I have been playing with this dog design which resulted in this fun design. Now I want to do

more, of course. This is the fun when you do these. I started this design out by taking my Sharpie ultra fine point pen marker and just did a random swirly line across the page. Them looking at the swirls, I saw

a dog and off it went... and which is why his paw is waving high in the air..

So more of these will come. It's such a soothing way to sit in the evenings and do couch art.. I can

delightfully tune out those annoying political ads, and half way listen to tv, which mostly bores me.

And is why I listen to NPR during the day in my studio, or watch Turner's or listen to books on tape or

watch a good DVD movie. Mostly with the tone of today's news.. dismal and depressing... I limit that

exposure for myself. Keeps my spirit much lighter, thank you very much. It's a wonder this whole country

isn't on some anti-depressant meds listening to the media.

NOW

more art. :)

always good.

FLOCK OF BIRDS AND FIRST SNOW

2010-10-27T10:21:00.001-06:00

A peek into the side garden this morning.. our first noticable snow.

We have a few flurries the past few days, but early this morning it got cold enough

to bring the snow level down to the town.

I was happy to get back into my studio and my current project.

Here's the parts..

Little mold tins, I collect these at thrift shops and yard sales.

And I decided that these should be incorporated into some art for the upcoming shows

I am doing. The blackbird heads are cut from an old patent leather (fake) purse.

The nice thing about the current trend of BIG BAGS, is they provide more material for

artists like me that like to cut them up. :)

And here's my first 4 that I just finished. The one on the right, I am keeping for our kitchen..

I used black zippers for their legs.. ZIPPY! The wings are cut from wonderful oil cloth material.

I have many more to make.. some will go here and some will go there. Might even list a few on etsy to

see how they sell.

NOW

I must stop with my morning art and get into my production for Lunar Designs.

My work day begins.

ta ta

BLACKBIRD ORNAMENTS

2010-10-26T11:15:00.000-06:00

Have lots of these old aluminum molds..

decided to make kitchen/holiday ornaments.

keeping the "theme" blackbird...

using different patterns of oil cloth for the wings...

zipper legs..

patent leather for the blackbird's head..

colorful buttons for the centers.

First one, the prototype.

These are the colors in my kitchen.. so will probably keep :) this one for our kitchen.

The rest will be up for sale at the next holiday show I will be doing.

Will look cute with my kitchen towels.

thinking here....might even do a painted version to print on a towel.

I like that it can be a holiday ornament, or not. Keeps the options open for the buyers.

Now need to make a dozen more or so.

Snowing.

Again.

Nice to work in my warm studio.

Again.

Life is good.

Blessed.

and Grateful.

NOW

to work on orders.

then make some homemade soup for dinner tonight.

SPOOKY WEEKEND FUN

2010-10-24T12:50:00.000-06:00

Ghosts hanging around our front door...

leaves falling around the ghosts..

skulls and cobwebs...

even the little dalmation has his Halloween mask on...

more ghosts to greet you...

and spooky black cats... YIKES!!!!!!

BEFORE AND AFTER

2010-10-22T10:55:00.000-06:00

This looks like something from the hoarder's show Buried Alive.

I walked into my studio this morning and nearly croaked. Not only is this a mess,

it makes me nuts. Or nuts-ier as my husband would amend.

So I turned on some Budha Zen music and started cleaning.

AHHHHH...

much better

NOW!

NEW LISTINGS ON ETSY

2010-10-21T11:05:00.001-06:00

These are now listed on my Etsy site.

http://www.lindadrake.etsy.com/

I am lining up the art to sell,

making room for new.

Time to shop for that special piece of art that is calling to you.

Limonata.

I even love to say the name.

I fell in love with this Italian lemon beverage and love the graphics on the can.

That inspired me to create a Limonata Art Doll.

She would be delicious in a kitchen with her spoon and fork arms/hands.

My love of Blackbirds often find their way into my art. The sweet art doll is made from a very old license plate.. about 1936 I think. The blackbird is cut from an old Utah license plate. She feels

very quiet and full of wisdom when I look at her. She is called "Blackbird Spirit Woman"

This fun art doll called "Wishful Thinking" has a real wishbone in her head with a little bird perched on top.

She has the cutest specs on (from a garden hose holder I believe) and her legs are old carpenter rulers. Her body is from a 1968 Kansas license plate. Her head is in the stars!

She is wishing for you!

I had fun with this guy.. aptly titled "John Q. Public Focus". I have become increasingly weary, as we all seem to be, with all the politic rants and raves and endless stream of rhetoric on tv, radio etc.

I have to turn it all off, and keep my mind on other things here in my studio. Watch old movies on Turner's

Classic Movie channel, or listen to books on tape, or listen to music. I create my own reality here in my studio!

NOW to work on orders!

WHEE!!! ART DOLL KEY RACK

2010-10-20T10:51:00.000-06:00

I am a firm believer that you spotlight where you hang your keys, use it faithfully, and then you will NEVER have to look around crazy crazy for your keys. Knowing exactly where your keys are, will let you happily fly out the door, looking as giddy and fun as this Art Girl..

I LOVE her hair.. I LOVE happy hair..

it's just such a

fun way to express your joy in life!!!!

I just finished this gal, a gathering of lost and found art. The head with shoulders went on a round robin art doll journey, and got lost in Texas for YEARS!!!. Well, God, we all know someone who has done that, or at least heard something similar in a sad western song on the radio. Well, by some miracle of universe, this gal came back into my life. But I decided her intended ART was just not working for her. So we had a nice chat over coffee this morning and she expressed her desire to create a new INTENT for her life. And she definitely wants a permanent home now. She is happy to offer her advice on traveling out in the big wild world, but she would be so content to hold down the fort or key rack in this case.

But she is not intended for my adobe.. she is indeed intended for a new forever home and is available on my etsy site.

www.lindadrake.etsy.com

So if you think she is meant for you, and you can prove your intent by actually purchasing her, she is now available. With some road stories that will be sure to brighten your world.

NOW

I am off to do some errands.. and yep, I do know where my keys are.. :)

A WELCOMED CHALLENGE

2010-10-19T08:04:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I discovered a challenge to make art everyday. See the side panel and you will find the link.

Now, I do art daily, have for years..... but these past few months, as

this economy keeps beating on us, I find myself working harder. I love to work at my job.. Lunar Designs.

But I also love doing my "side art" which I have been doing less and less of. Not so good for me.

I so love getting up early, and with coffee and still in my jammies immersing myself in my art.

I usually do this for a few hours, then jump in the shower and then into my orders for Lunar.

But when I thought about this November challenge, despite the timing.. busy time of the year for me both

professionally and personally, I thought, now more than ever. The busy is draining sometimes, and

doing my art will restock my art soul.

So I am committed. It's not a heavy dutiful thing. Merely a conscious decision to do it NOW.

Sometimes it's good to smack yourself with a Challenge.

FLEA MARKET FINDS AND FUN

2010-10-18T12:42:00.000-06:00

An old leather suitcase $5, an old sterling salt shaker $1, and a well used artist's wooden supply box $2.

That was my :) big purchases at a big flea market Sunday in Denver. I love to head for the big piles of JUNK to look for art treasures. I want to use the art box to make a shrine out of. The salt shaker will be a great assemblage piece.. for exactly what I don't know yet. The suitcase is wonderful!

I love to stack old stuitcases with art supplies or whatever. Also these make great "boxes" when I make my

shrines.

Dan and I had so much fun walking around this flea market. It is so great when you have someone

that shares your life AND you like to do the same things together. Dan bought a Michelada drink//

beer and tomatoe juice with seasonings.. similar to a bloody mary. I took a sip and YUM! I want to make

some tonight with dinner. BECAUSE...we also bought some roasted green chilies and I am planning

a nice fiesta dinner.. something warm because it's CHILLY outside today. Brr..

WITCHY HAT ART

2010-10-13T08:35:00.001-06:00

It was a WITCH HAT art project last night. The Downtown Farmer's Market ladies got together and created 19 witchy outrageous hats. There were feathers flying, skeletons clacking, hot glue guns squirting ( a few small burns followed by witch like expletives ) and lots of fun. We had pizza and wine, margaritas and I brought my apricot beer... because I just don't like wine or tequila all that much.. more like it doesn't like me the next morning. We will display these in Sue's store window (Confetti Designs) and sell them to raise money for the market. As we were cleaning up, I found one more blank hat, so I opted to take it home to decorate and will deliver it. Every hat was named: Old Crow, Sour Apple, Mae West, Horrible Hannah, etc. and will be tagged with the names. Just for fun.

We had a great time.. this was my first "mandatory meeting" and I had a blast. I can happily say I am in my own tribe with these girls so lots more fun/work to be had in the future. It's great to be associated with such a great group of women who do such a wonderful job with the market.. a great asset for our little mountain town.

NOW I am getting ready to tackle my list of to do's, including getting NEW SNOW TIRES on my car.
Because, you know the snow is coming, like it or not!

JOHN LENNON AND OTHER WONDERFUL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

2010-10-10T09:26:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, John would of been 70. I cannot think of a groovier 70 year old. This morning I listened to

an interview of John by writer David Sheff that was done in August of 1980. The interview/article came out in Dec 6, 1980 in Playboy and two days later, he was shot. I still feel a cold shiver run through my body. The sadness that grabbed so many of us when we heard the horrible news.... This peaceful man. Dead.

Violently shot down. It's one of those moments in my life, when I am ashamed to be associated with human beings. How humans could be capable of such tragic useless evil. why?

here's the interview.. it's worth taking the time to listen to.

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=130429818&m=130452366

I will always be a Beatles fan. Always. There wasn't anything more moving for me as a young girl growing up, listening to their music. And there hasn't really been any more musical artists that has so touched my heart as their music. Except Jack Johnson. He comes as close as James Taylor does since the Beatles.

In 2007, I was picked to do an design for our local Strawberry Days.. and I ran with the idea of the Beatles

Strawberry Fields. So I did the poster design.. and what blast I had doing it. Our surrounding mountains became snow covered strawberries with kaleidoscope clouds. here's my art on the poster....

I drove my Petula car, a painted art car, and when I was lined up ready to join in the parade, and all I could hear was Beatles music surrounding me, I have to say it was a moment of gratitude. I had brought my love of the Beatles to our little mountain town, and we felt the groove as we sang Strawberry Fields Forever.

A proud moment for me. Here's Petula. She was Groovy. I loved driving her..everyone always knew where I was doodling around in her. I finally sold her.. she needed a lot of work and was getting old.

I had my fun and now it was time to move on. Doing the art car was fun, but that's another story for another day.

NOW.. all we need is LOVE. and 10-10-10 today. A good day. Hold onto those positive thoughts.

Everything is working out for our highest good.

I love this.

MORNING AHHHHH

2010-10-06T13:29:00.000-06:00

I have always been an early morning person. It's the calm time of the day. The ahh part of being alive for me.

Everyday brings new ideas, new hopes, new projects. A fresh start of whatever you desire. When I am drinking my morning coffee and look out the window to see this kind of sunrise, I feel a wash of gratitude and

humbleness. That we are so fortunate to be witnessing this miracle.

We have had a lovely fall.. September was nearly a continuation of summer. October started out the same.

It's certain we will be thrown into winter.. I am already thinking about those new snow tires I need to buy.

And while I long to have summer last year round, I know winter is around the corner. And winter

to me means more studio time. More art. And that's good.

NOW

I must tackle lots of orders.

But the art is waiting for me.. lots and lots of it.

yum.

JUNK STATION

2010-09-27T12:43:00.000-06:00

This is a part's cleaner sink.. normally found in a garage. My husband, the GREAT garage sale KING, found this for $5 recently. I spotted it in his garage, and admired it and mentioned I would love one like it. I have a continuous pile of metal finds, found items.. JUNK that I keep readily handy when I am creating.

I have more in storage, but like a stockpile close by for inspiration. Close by has meant on the floor, in my way, in boxes. But now my sweet husband gave me his.. and even mounted wheels on the legs so I can easily move it around.

It's faded to a delightful orange red.. obvious when you lift the lid. I have flat boxes inside filled with finds.

And here's the station closed. I can use the surface to work on!

And with the shelf underneath,, plus the added space to place plastic bins, I have lots of storage.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new work station.. NOW it's has been repurposed from a parts cleaner to a parts storage for metal objects.

It made my mornings SMILE!!!!!

Thanks Dan...

MORNING RAIN PROMISING FALL

2010-09-08T09:46:00.001-06:00

A morning rain passed by.. thunder, wind and some rain. But then it was gone and I stepped outside to breathe in the delightful air. Fall is knocking at our door. The colors of the oak brush are starting to turn on the hills here in town.

If you look at the center of this hillside shot, you will see the pine trees that were burned a few years ago. Nature is coming back and soon we will see green pine trees. The remnants of the storm clouds are laying low and lazy over the mountain. I would love to take a drive up into the mtns today to enjoy the changing

colors.

I came back into my studio .. it's pretty chaotic right now. A sign that I have been really really busy. It needs cleaning. But not today. Today I need to work. Orders to get out, catalogs to print, and new designs to work on.

Cleaning will have to wait.

NOW

I must work!!!!